0
Because with very few exceptions (none to my knowledge!), all living organisms are carbon-based. This means that the fundamental building blocks, what living things are made of, is carbon atoms. While carbon isn't the only element (hydrogen, nitrogen and other are also essential), carbon is the building blocks -- the bricks and mortar if you will. This is because carbon easily combines with many other atoms.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoWhy carbon based molecules are so important is that they can hold a certain number of electrons that can combined with other molecules. In other words Carbon can form long covalently bonded chains which can incorporate many other atoms..
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoBecause it has exactly 4 valence electrons (electrons available in outer shell for reacting with other atoms), it can bond in many many ways. This gives it an enormous number of chemicals it can be a part of. Variety is essential to life!!!! Also, it is covalent in its bonding so it does not create ions or charges in solution.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoBecause carbon is one of the ingredients that all living things are made of
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoIt allows complex chemical bounds.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Does a phone have a carbon footprint?
No :P It uses electricity, and so doesn't use carbon compounds.
What is the building blocks of all living things?
The cell is the basic building block of all living things. yes and cells are made of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen so those are your main building blocks of all living things :)
What is the importance of carbon in biology?
Any compound with elements C,H,O are called organic compounds. SO Carbon helps make organic compounds. Examples of polymers that are made of these elements are Polysaccharides, Proteins (with N and sometimes s and p), Nucleic Acids (DNA, RNA), and although not a polysaccharide, Lipids (Fats, oils and waxes) Each of these biomacromolecules are important in biology...if you know the important of these then you know the importance of Carbon...eg. Polysaccharides for energy, engergy storage, structural, Lipids for insulation, fat storage, water proofing, Proteins for Structure, hormones, enzymes, Nucleic Acids to code for the synthesis of Proteins and carrying on genetic information on to the next generation.. Hope that helped.
What are some nonliving and living things that contain carbon?
Limestone is composed of calcium carbonate, CaCO3 (the 3 is a sub-script) so it's a calcium atom, a carbon atom, and 3 oxygen atoms. There are some other minerals that contain carbon as well. Diamond, which is pure carbon, is an example.
How are photosynthesis and cellular respiration important parts of the carbon cycle?
Photosynthesis is the process in which carbon dioxide is converted to glucose, so carbon is stored.Respiration is the process in which carbohydrates are converted to water and carbon dioxide, so that carbon is released again into the air.During these processes, both animals and plants help themselves survive by either releasing energy or storing it. Meanwhile carbon is returned back to the air.
Why is the element so important to living things?
Because Carbon is in everything.
What properties of carbon make it so important for living organisms?
Coal and many organic compounds are formed from carbon.Plants releases carbon dioxide.
Why is carbon dioxide an important gas to have in the air?
so living things can live.so we can breatheso that the world works
What function does the respiratory system has?
The respiratory system is there so you can breath air in and exhale out. When you breath in your breathing in air, but what your really breathing out when you exhale is carbon dioxide. So what your respiratory system does is it takes in clean air and disposes the carbon dioxide from your lungs.
Why Is The Human Heart So Important To Your Body?
The heart is the prime mover in the circulatory system. And the circulatory system is how all living tissue in our body is carried food and oxygen, and how all waste and carbon dioxide is carried off. idiot it doesent make sence
What is special about the carbon atom?
It has many unique properties, most important in relation to us is that it is found in every living creature, so far as we know.
What of the six elements is most important?
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are major nutrient for living being so are most imp.
What is the importance of the Carbon cycle to living things?
Earth is not a carbon-based planet. It is a metal-silicate planet. It has a silicate crust and mantle and a metallic core.Life on Earth is said to be carbon based.
Why is carbon fixation so important?
It combines Co2 (carbon dioxide) with NADPH
Does carbon monoxide have an odor?
the element carbon does not have and odor the element carbon does not have and odor
What is the important about the valence electrons of carbon?
Carbon only has 4 valence electrons and so it can make all kinds of bonds. Carbon is a very important element on the planet if not the most important.
Carbon compounds that come from living organisms called?
They are called organic compounds. Every living thing contains carbon, so a carbon compound that comes from a lving thing is considered an organic compound.
